Key theories and theorist

Question 1

Crime Control Model: Links

Answer 1

Functionalism (Durkheim)

Right realism

Question 2

Functionalism

Answer 2

A theory suggested by Durkheim that states society requires shared norms and values in order to function

Question 3

Right realism

Answer 3

Individuals make a rational choice to commit crime, and emphasises tough control measures to reduce crime

Question 4

Due Process Model: Links

Answer 4

Labelling theory

Left realism

Question 5

Labelling theory

Answer 5

Suggested by Howard Becker that a persons behaviour and self identity is influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them

Question 6

Left Realism

Answer 6

The thought that crime is a result of a capitalist society and a more fair society would decrease crime

Question 7

Internal Forms of Social Control

Answer 7

Psychoanalytic theory (Sigmund Freud)
Socialisation
Rational ideology (Clarke and Cornish 2006)

Question 8

Psychoanalytic theory

Answer 8

the importance of the unconscious mind in behaviour and decision making

Question 9

Socialisation

Answer 9

Values and norms are gained through socialising

Question 10

Rational ideology

Answer 10

An idea or belief that will achieve social control

Question 11

External Forms of Social Control

Answer 11

Skinner operant conditioning (Agencies can reward or punish to achieve desired behaviour)
Right realism (Coercion and fear of punishment)

Question 12

Control theories

Answer 12

Travis Hirschi: Social Bond Theory

Walter C Reckless: Inner and outer containment

Question 13

Skinner operant Conditioning

Answer 13

Associative learning where a desired behaviour is promoted or discouraged through reward or punishment

Question 14

Social Bond theory

Answer 14

Attachments to social activities families and peers as well as shared values and norms are what discourage people from crime

Question 15

Containment theory

Answer 15

A mix of psychological and social factors are what discourage people from crime

Question 16

Aims of Punishment: Links

Answer 16

Right realism: the punishment should fit the crime
Social learning theory (Bandura) reoffending rates after prison are a result of prisons being a ‘university of crime’ where prisoners learn and further criminal behaviours from one another
Marxism suggests that the working class are policed more than the ruling class and this is reflected in the harsher sentences they receive
Left Realism: Punishments are a practical way of reducing crime
Functionalism: punishments is a means of achieving social control

Question 17

Does a left realist approach to prisons help

Answer 17

Bastoy Norway prison has a focus on rehabilitation and uses a less stereotypical approach to prison life to do so, the prison produces a significantly lower recidivism rates than prisons in the UK implying that a left realist approach and focus on rehabilitation within the prisons themselves may better achieve social control
Token economy used in prison can exercise control over prison inmates

Question 18

Limitations or agencies trying to achieve social control.

Answer 18

Social learning theory: prisoners will learn from their peers, this specifically is known as differential learning (Sutherland) this limits the amount of social control than can be achieved by agencies and also creates a cycle of crime
Marxism- Laws are necessary to protect the working class from the ruling class which is where the human rights act comes into play
Functionalism: social control is Limited because crime is needed for change to occur (gay rights, suffragettes)